Why Have Insulin Jet Injectors Never Really Caught On?

Why Have Insulin Jet Injectors Never Really Caught On?

by

Lynn Woods

An insulin jet injector sounds like a great idea. Intended to be a less painful way of delivering insulin than the traditional insulin syringes or insulin pens, they deliver a fine jet of insulin under such high pressure that it is able to penetrate the skin without a needle.

The first insulin jet injector, dubbed the “peace gun”, was invented by a doctor in the 1940s for mass immunization of American troops. It was used right up until 1997, when its use was discontinued because of concerns around cross-contamination from multiple users. According to all reports, the peace gun was efficient, but painful.

The jet injector was first offered for individual use in 1979. A modern insulin injector looks similar to an insulin pen, but larger. There are a number of different models, but the typical insulin injector consists of three pieces a metal pen-like delivery device, a disposable plastic nozzle, and a disposable adapter to connect the injector to an insulin vial. The insulin injector has a dosing dial that allows individual users to select their correct dosage.

The metal injector is designed to last for years, and the detachable nozzle and adapter are intended for multiple uses before disposal. The air pressure is created by either a powerful spring device or a nitrogen or cartridge dioxide cartridge. The devices have adjustable pressure settings so users can select the one that is most effective while causing them the least discomfort.

There are some obvious benefits to a needle free jet injection system, the most apparent being the option for the needle phobic to avoid needles. Other advantages are the speed and ease of use, safety (no bent or broken needles, or “sharps” to dispose of ), less risk of contamination, a better spread of insulin into the subcutaneous tissue, no scar tissue build up at the injection site, and no need to keep buying syringes.

So why do so few diabetics use them? The number one reason seems to be pain. Although some people find a needleless injection quite tolerable, many find the pressure required to force the insulin through the skin most uncomfortable. It’s not uncommon for the skin at the injection site to bleed, swell and/or bruise.

Another major factor is the initial cost (at least several hundred dollars) although this is offset by the fact that users don’t have the ongoing expense of syringes. Not all insurance companies cover the cost of an insulin injector, and many of those that do require a letter from your doctor.

Jet injectors are also more cumbersome and less portable than insulin syringes or insulin pens, not just because they’re larger and heavier, but also because users also need to carry an insulin vial (which requires refrigeration), the adapter and, with some models, the nozzle along with it.

It takes more time to set up an insulin injector than it does to fill a syringe. Unlike a syringe or insulin pen, an insulin injector requires maintenance, and has to be taken apart and sterilized on a regular basis. Some people are put off by the noise made by the compression system during use.

There are insulin injectors specially designed for use in children, and even one for dogs and cats, the Zoe Pet Jet. Those who have managed to find a comfortable setting on their jet insulin injector seem quite happy with the devices, and urge new users not to give up if they’re not initially comfortable using one.

Lynn blogs about news and views of interest to diabetics at

longactinginsulin.com

. Check out the blog and get a $10 off

prescription coupon

for Lantus SoloSTAR long acting insulin from the online

Canadian pharmacy

Big Mountain Drugs.

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Why Have Insulin Jet Injectors Never Really Caught On?